Barnardos highlights importance of play for young children

PARENTS should encourage babies and toddlers to play as it lays the vital foundations for learning in school, according to a booklet launched yesterday.

Children’s charity Barnardos drew up the guide to highlight the importance of play to the future wellbeing of young children.

Elaine Guiney, a child and family development worker with Barnardos, said: “All the learning that takes place through play lays the foundation for learning in school, like early maths skills, language skills and concentration.